Try the network adapter driver step before Windows Network reset—but only after basic Wi-Fi checks, and especially if the problem began after a recent update. Microsoft places uninstalling and reinstalling the adapter driver earlier in its troubleshooting sequence and says to reserve Network reset for last. Neither step is guaranteed to fix every connection problem.
Check the connection before changing Windows settings
First work out whether the fault is likely to be on this PC or on the network. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 and recommends working through earlier checks before either of these more involved actions.
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- Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off.
- If appropriate, forget the saved Wi-Fi network and connect to it again.
- If symptoms point to the modem or router, restart it; this temporarily disconnects devices using the network.
- Try the same Wi-Fi network on another device. If that device connects, the problem is more likely to be with this PC.
- On Windows 11, start with the Network and Internet troubleshooter in Get Help.
Follow the intervening steps in Microsoft’s guide before uninstalling a driver or resetting the network.
How the two options differ
| Option | What it changes | When it fits | Preparation or follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uninstall and reinstall the adapter driver | The selected network adapter’s driver. | Earlier in Microsoft’s sequence; particularly worth considering if the connection problem started after a recent update. | Download the correct driver from the PC manufacturer before uninstalling. After restart, Windows looks for and installs a driver; use the saved copy if it does not install automatically. |
| Network reset | Installed network adapters and their settings; Windows reinstalls the adapters with default settings after restart. | A last step when previous troubleshooting has not helped. Microsoft notes it can help with some connection problems, including some after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. | You may need to set up networking software such as a VPN client or Hyper-V virtual switches again. Check the network profile if sharing or device discovery matters. |
Microsoft does not publish comparative success rates for these two actions in its guide, so the order is a troubleshooting recommendation, not a promise that the driver step will work better for every fault.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 – This compact USB Wi-Fi adapter provides long-range and lag-free connections wherever you are. Upgrade your PCs or laptops to 802.11ac standards which are three times faster than wireless N speeds.
- 𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐚𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – Get Wi-Fi speeds up to 200 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and up to 433 Mbps on the 5 GHz band for upgraded web surfing, gaming, and streaming. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
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Try the adapter-driver step first when appropriate
Before removing the driver, get a backup of the correct network adapter driver from the PC manufacturer’s website. You will need the PC’s manufacturer and model to find the right download. If the affected PC has no internet connection, download the driver using another device and copy it to a USB flash drive; there is no need to buy one if you already have suitable storage.
- Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
- Select the relevant Wi-Fi adapter and choose Uninstall device.
- Restart the PC. Windows looks for and installs a network adapter driver.
- If Windows does not install a working driver automatically, use the backup you downloaded from the PC manufacturer.
This process does not guarantee installation of the newest manufacturer-provided driver. Keep the backup available so you have an alternative if Windows does not restore a working driver.
Rank #2
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
- Archer T3U also provides MU-MIMO, which delivers Beamforming connection for lag-free Wi-Fi experience.
- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Use Network reset only after earlier steps fail
Network reset is broader than reinstalling one adapter’s driver: it removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after the PC restarts. Use the path for your Windows version:
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Windows 11: Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
- Windows 10: Settings > Network & internet > Status > Network reset.
Select Reset now, confirm, and wait for the PC to restart. Beforehand, note any networking setup you may need to restore. Microsoft warns that VPN client software or Hyper-V virtual switches may need to be reinstalled or configured again. Network reset may also change known connections to a public network profile, which affects whether the PC is discoverable by other devices on that network; check the profile afterward if local sharing or discovery is important.
Rank #3
- AC600 Nano size wireless Dual band USB Wi-Fi adapter for fast and high speed Wi-Fi connection.
- Strong 2.4G/5G connection allows the user to use the Internet with lag-free experience.
- Sleek and miniature sized design allows the user to plug and leave the device in it's place.
- Industry leading support: 2-year and free 24/7 technical support
- This network transceiver supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Microsoft’s guide describes these networking configuration effects; it does not say that Network reset deletes personal files.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- Fast 1300Mbps USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus wifi adapter provides long-range and stable wifi connections,Upgrade your desktop or laptop wifi Technology with our AC1300Mbps usb wireless Adapter. Whether your desktop pc's wifi usb is malfunctioning or you’re looking to upgrade to faster dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz speeds, this pc wifi adapter is the ideal choice. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your device’s life and experience the benefits of modern WiFi technology
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- Super Speed USB 3.0 - wifi adapter for desktop pc Connect speeds Up to 10x faster than USB 2.0 USB, Super USB3.0 delivers faster data transfer, a more reliable network connection, and improved compatibility for wifi adapter for pc. It fully supports the high-speed demands of AC1300 wireless adapter, ensuring peak performance. Plus, it's backward compatible with standard USB 2.0 ports for added flexibility.usb wifi adapter for desktop pc 3.0
- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
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